The UK Government intends to introduce further deterrents to prevent the employment of illegal workers within the UK.

What’s new?

An employer will be unable to claim the Government Employment Allowance for a period of one year if they have:

Hired an illegal worker

Been penalised for their actions by the Home Office

Exhausted appeal rights in relation to the imposed penalty

DRONE BILL (PROPOSED): SPRING 2018

The Government intends on publishing a draft law which will require the registration of drones that fit certain criteria.

What’s new?

Drones over 250g will need to be registered;

Leisure pilots need to complete a pilot test;

Safety awareness tests are required to ensure a drone’s flight is safe and legal;

Police seizure powers of illegal drones; and

‘No-fly zones’.

THE IMPOSITION OF GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS: MAY 2018

This is the biggest change in data protection rules in over two decades. It replaces the Data Protection Directive 1995. It will also survive Brexit. If you’re currently subject to the DPA, you will likely be subject to the GDPR.

What’s new?

Rights for individuals to access the information that companies hold about them;

Universal application to all controllers and processors of personal data;

An obligation for better data management of businesses;

Increased requirements for the appointment of a Data Protection Officer;

This directive will harmonise the definition of trade secrets. It will put companies, investors, creators and researchers on an equal footing, however journalists will still be free to investigate and publish business affairs as they do today. If you’re in business, it will require a refresh of your contractual terms, policies and procedures.

What’s new?

Harmonised definition of trade secrets;

Reasonable steps to keep matters secrets;

Companies must follow legal obligations to disclose information of public interest;

Safeguards for those acting in public interest who disclose a trade secret to reveal illegal activity, misconduct or a wrongdoing; and

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 will soon come into effect. That means that from 1 April 2018, residential properties which are let (including any renewal) must have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of at least E. There will be some minimum exemptions.